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North Wales Live
2 days ago
- North Wales Live
'Generous and caring' man stabbed to death in 'devastating' attack
A man has been convicted of murder after a stabbing in a Welsh park. Georgie Tannetta, 20, stabbed 43-year-old James Brogan at a park in St Mellons, Cardiff last year. Mr Brogan, who was described as "generous and caring" was taken to hospital but later died. A court heard Tannetta was "swinging" the 15-inch blade "with no fear" when he carried out the devastating attack, reports WalesOnline. A neighbour rushed to the scene and tried to save Mr Brogan after he was stabbed in the arm, following which he had a cardiac arrest and multiple organ failure. After he was stabbed, he had collapsed and was bleeding heavily. You can sign up for all the latest court stories here Witnesses called 999 and emergency services arrived at the park. Mr Brogan was treated by paramedics at the scene and on route to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and at the intensive care unit at that hospital but he could not be saved and died on November 12. Tannetta was later found hiding in the attic of his aunt's home in Cardiff and was arrested on suspicion of murder. He later told officers he had been assaulted by Mr Brogan two days before his death. Tannetta, of Rhodfa Crughywel, Trowbridge, denied murder, manslaughter and possession of a bladed article but was convicted of murder by a jury at Newport Crown Court on Thursday following a trial. Judge Daniel Williams told the defendant in the dock that he will be sentenced on June 27. Paying tribute to Mr Brogan his family said he was a "generous, caring and thoughtful" man. They added he was a "comedian who loved making people smile and laugh". Detective Inspector Rebecca Merchant from the South Wales Police's major crime investigation team said: "James Brogan was very much loved by his family and friends and he is missed by them every day. "I hope the conviction at Newport Crown Court today provides some comfort to all who knew and loved him. This tragic case highlights the devastating and far-reaching consequences of knife crime. "South Wales Police is committed to tackling knife crime by preventing people carrying these weapons and robustly dealing with those we find involved in such criminality.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
I could smell burnt toast but it was the symptom of something very serious
I could smell burnt toast but it was the symptom of something very serious Gareth Evans would regularly show up to his work while being depressed and upset, and though he knew something wasn't right, he could not pin point the cause Gareth Evans, 57, thinks he had lived at least 10 years with the disease before it was diagnosed (Image: Gareth Evans ) WHEN Gareth Evans hit his mid 40s, smelling burnt toast that wasn't there and crying at work for no apparent reason were just two of the signs of a deeper health issue. Keen rugby player Gareth, who worked as a carpenter at the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, was active and happy in his work and personal life. But the usually cheerful and motivated worker suddenly found himself showing up to his job feeling sad, or randomly crying at work. He would also feel his arm twitch, or smell the aroma of burnt toast. Nothing made any sense but, as doctors soon found out, he had been living with a disease that has no cure: Parkinson's. The depression was one of the first symptoms Gareth noticed but, without a diagnosis, he had been at a loss. 'Depression… it comes with Parkinson's,' he explained. 'I didn't understand it. I'd go into work and I'd feel very sad and I would cry. Article continues below "I would come home and I'd cry in the shower, but I was very good at hiding it, didn't talk about it, and didn't get any help and that just got worse and worse. "I just knew there was something wrong. I just didn't know what." Gareth with his wife Louise who is his motivation on difficult days (Image: Gareth Evans ) It was only when the physical symptoms started that Gareth asked for help. The 57-year-old said: "I worked for 34 years for the health service. So I was actually at work and I looked down onto my left arm, and I could see the muscle just on the forearm… it was twitching, twitching a lot. "I couldn't control it, couldn't stop it and I had this for a while, you know, for a couple of days. "So actually, I went to see a friend of mine who worked in the hospital and I asked her advice and she told me I needed to get it sorted." Gareth finally went to his GP and was referred to a consultant at the University Hospital of Wales. He was given his diagnosis on September 21, 2018, after which he says he 'cried like a baby'. While he now has an answer for his previous symptoms, the diagnosis and the condition itself have understandably had a huge impact on his life. "First of all, the depression just wasn't me, because I've always enjoyed life to the full,' he said. "The depression knocked me for a six, more so than the actual Parkinson's, to be honest. "But it affects me now, like 10 years on if you want to go from the diagnosis date. I can't walk properly. If I don't take my tablets, I get these terrible cramps. "I was walking the dog one day and I forgot to take my tablet and I was stuck in the field for 40 minutes. I just couldn't move. "It was tipping down with rain and all my muscles had seized up. "I had a terrible cramp and it was very, very painful. This sort of thing happens quite a lot. It affects your internal organs as well. "It affects you bladder. So you're constantly back and forth to the toilet. "You think you need a wee, but then you don't, and then you do, and that affects you there. An unfinished painting by Gareth of his wife and him together (Image: Gareth Evans ) "But I must admit, I don't really let it get to me too much now. I'm in control of it." Nearly 8,300 people in Wales are currently living with Parkinson's. The progressive neurological condition caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain. The disease causes both motor symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, and slowness of movement, as well as less commonly recognised non-motor symptoms including sleep disturbances, memory issues, and constipation among others. It can also sometimes lead to phantosmia – where patients perceive smells, such as burnt toast, that aren't actually there. In recent years, Parkinson's has come to renewed public attention as a result of Michael J Fox's campaigning on the issue. The Back to the Future star has been open about his experience with the condition, and has won awards for his advocacy for a cure for the disease. For Gareth, once he had fully taken in the advice from experts and come to terms with the diagnosis, he felt he could move on and get back to work. But while Gareth's return was accommodated well by his employers, in light of his diagnosis he soon had to retire upon his doctor's advice. Recalling how he dealt with his retirement, he said: 'The first few months, I just sat in the window, looking out at the rain, beating down onto the patio, and I'm thinking, 'Is this it? Is this what retirement is about?' "Like I said, I'm a very headstrong person, and I've been involved in team sports all my life, mostly rugby. So you know when you're down, and you know you can do something about it. "So, I decided to... enjoy as much as possible and get out and about if I can. Look after my grandchildren and my wife. 'It was a case of, 'it's not going to get better. So I've got to live with it and work with it'.' It wasn't long before he found solace in his retirement, and found surprising new ways of coping. "I started painting, believe it or not,' he said. 'Another symptom I've got with Parkinson's is insomnia. I don't sleep very well. So I get up at night and I paint, painting by numbers. "I find that quite relaxing. Now that you might think is strange because I've got a tremor. "I tremor most of the time. "So when I actually paint, because your brain tells you to concentrate and you literally go in and you paint, the painting by number is a very fine painting. You don't tremor because you use your brain.' One of his favourite creations is a painting of his wife's grandfather, a World War two veteran. He explained: 'I've got a painting on my wall in my kitchen and it's my wife's grandfather. He was just a couple of days short of 102 before he passed and I painted him and he's sitting in an armchair with his World War two medals across his chest.' Gareth also now helps other people diagnosed with Parkinson's to come to terms with their diagnosis. He explained: 'Funny enough, I actually do talk to people who are recently diagnosed and need help. "They'll come over to my house or they'll phone me. We tend to stick together, belong to a Facebook page for Parkinson's. "We all stick together and we help each other out… talking's the best thing." Newly diagnosed patients often went through similar emotions, he added. "The biggest thing is fear, knowing it's not going to get better, it's going to get worse, and there is no cure. "The tablets I take actually work for me but, believe it or not, they've been out since the '60s annd '70s with all these tablets, they'd been around for years and years, and [doctors working in the field of] Parkinson's are trying to find a cure. "I'm hoping come September to actually go on a trial with my consultant. "I've asked to put my name forward and become a guinea pig, so to speak. Because you've just got to try something, you've just got to give it a go." Gareth has thrown his weight behind fundraising, raising significant funds for Parkinson's charities through quizzes, marathons, and rugby matches. Earlier this month – on May 4 – Gareth raised £8,000 when he underwent a sponsored head shave and wax at the Maltsters Arms pub in Whitchurch, Cardiff. Gareth at the head shave and wax event with his son (Image: Gareth Evans ) He said: 'I'll always help, no matter what charity, and if I am able to do anything, I'll do it. "This last one, this one we've done, all I had to do was sit down and have my hair cut. It was the easiest £8,000 I've ever been involved in making! "I've done charity rugby games as well because, when I was first diagnosed, I wanted to raise some money for Parkinson's, so I organised a rugby game. All the people I've been involved with over the years, coaching, playing with, playing against, they all turned up for me. We raised £1,680 that day. That was just one day. "Another time in work, when I used to work, I used to have a 'fat club', we used to call it the 'Big Boy's Belly Fat Club' and the boys used to pay a pound a week and I would have my scales in work and I'd weigh them and I'd write their weight down on the board to encourage them for next week to come in lighter. "This went on for a couple of years and a lot of people got to know about it. Again, we raised money and it was all sent over to Parkinson's.' This Friday, Gareth is organising an auction in aid of Parkinson's charity, where shirts donated by Wales rugby stars Rhys Patchell and Ben Thomas will go under the hammer. Meanwhile, Gareth wishes people were more aware of Parkinson's and how to approach people with the disease. Gareth before his head shave (Image: Gareth Evans ) Gareth with his head shaved after a charity fundraiser for Parkinson's (Image: Gareth Evans ) He recalled: '(At) Christmas time, I went to watch Cardiff rugby play. I wasn't feeling well. "I couldn't explain why I was feeling like it, but I wasn't very well and I decided to leave the rugby halftime. "My wife was picking me up in town because of my condition. "I became so bad quickly and I didn't know what it was. I had a chest infection as well. "I approached a man in Queen Street and I asked him for help because I was walking with cramps and I was stiff. "I wasn't drunk by any means but this guy thought I was drunk, and I asked him for his help. He gave me the F-word, told me to go away. "It made me cross, because that was the first time that had ever happened. "So I just want people, you know, who haven't got Parkinson's, to just realise when you look at somebody and they're a little bit different to normal, just think to yourself it could be something medical. "It could be something causing that problem. "Give them a chance, there's always a story behind everybody.' In the meantime, Gareth says he's had amazing support from his family. He said: 'My wife, she keeps me motivated. My family, my children, my grandchildren. 'I'm a very lucky man. I've got a fantastic family and I've got a fantastic circle of friends and colleagues. I've been fortunate enough to be recognised in work and I actually went to meet the royal family at a garden party a couple of years ago. ' Gareth added: 'I've got three granddaughters and they're brilliant, six, four, three, and 18 months — nearly two. And my wife looks after them on a Tuesday, they come here to our house every Tuesday and I sit there and I just watch them and it makes me happy because I live through them. 'You look at your children and you... You see them doing well, and you just think to yourself, 'I've done something right in life, having a good family'. That's my unit, what I call my unit. My children.' Article continues below :: To find out more about Parkinson's, visit
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Jamie Roberts the 'luckiest guy on the planet' as he shares new baby pictures
Jamie Roberts the 'luckiest guy on the planet' as he shares new baby pictures The couple revealed the news on social media as they welcomed a new addition to the Roberts clan Jamie Roberts and family. (Image: Jamie Roberts and Nicole Ramson on Instagram. ) Wales legend Jamie Roberts and his wife Nicole have welcomed their third child into the world. Taking to Instagram in a collaborative post, the couple provided images of the family at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff with the new arrival. Clara Rose Roberts is now the fifth member of the family, following Elodie May, who was born in 2022, and Tomos Rhys, born in 2021. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Roberts said: "At times I feel like the luckiest guy on the planet. So grateful to welcome our third into the world and thankful to the wonderful staff at our great University Hospital." Content cannot be displayed without consent This news comes just three days after Roberts announced that he would be beginning work as a resident doctor this summer. Article continues below Over ten years ago, the legendary centre completed his medical degree whilst playing international rugby, having to turn up to the Vale Resort earlier than the rest of his teammates to get revision done ahead of exam season, something he revealed in his book 'Centre Stage'. "I crave pressure, responsibility and accountability," Roberts told WalesOnline "It has taken me a while to work out exactly what I miss from the game, and that's it. I miss the pressure and doing something that brings with it pressure and scrutiny. "Of course I miss the lads, I miss the changing room and I miss the social side of rugby probably above all else. "I love problem-solving, I love working with people and I guess when you go through that soul-searching when you retire, you try to narrow down what you really love and what you really want to go after. "Medicine and being a doctor ticks a lot of boxes. It's problem-solving, it's in science, it's working with people, it brings significant pressure and responsibility. I can't wait to join another great team in the NHS." Article continues below Over the course of his storied career, Roberts played for Cardiff, Racing 92, Harlequins, Bath, Stormers, Dragons and NSW Waratahs, as well as earning 94 caps for Wales and touring twice with the British and Irish Lions. Since retiring, Roberts has moved into media roles and became a board member for the WRU. This, along with his new long-term venture into medicine and new baby, Roberts has plenty to keep himself busy.
Wales Online
18-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Welsh student who lost all her limbs inspires incredible show of solidarity
Hundreds of runners, walkers, and supporters gathered today in a moving show of solidarity for Cardiff University student Lily McGarry, whose life changed dramatically earlier this year following a devastating illness. Lily, a passionate athlete and dedicated medical student, had her life profoundly altered in January after what began as mild flu-like symptoms quickly spiralled into a critical medical emergency. The 23-year-old, now in her third year at Cardiff, was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia — a rare but aggressive blood infection that led to septic shock. On January 14, Lily was rushed to hospital as her condition deteriorated rapidly. Within hours, she suffered two cardiac arrests and was placed in a medically induced coma. She remained in intensive care at the University Hospital of Wales for two weeks, during which her family faced a series of devastating updates. Though there were brief signs of recovery, further scans revealed multiple infarcts — areas of tissue damage — in her brain, spleen, and liver. The infection's catastrophic effect on her circulation ultimately resulted in the amputation of all four limbs, with significant losses above the knees and through the elbows. Known to her loved ones as kind, thoughtful, and full of energy, Lily was someone who thrived outdoors; whether running, swimming, or surfing. Her sudden and life-altering illness has left a deep impact on those around her, who are now rallying to support her as she begins the long journey toward rehabilitation and rebuilding her life. Now, her friends, fellow students, and members of the wider Cardiff community have come together for a "fun run" to help give her the best possible chance at recovery. The community fun run, held this morning at 11am in Bute Park, aimed to raise vital funds that will go toward essential rehabilitation costs, including advanced prosthetics, adapted living spaces, and specialist therapy — resources that are crucial for Lily to regain independence and reconnect with the active life she once led. "It's hard to imagine what Lily and her family have been through" said one of the organisers. "But despite everything, she's shown incredible positivity, strength and determination to rebuild her life. That's why we've organised this fun run. To come together, the Cardiff community, to support one of our own when it matters most." The turnout far exceeded expectations, with hundreds joining in the routes. Whether walking, jogging, or sprinting, each participant shared the same goal: to help Lily move forward. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here Donations are still being accepted through the GoFundMe page, and organisers say the support so far has been overwhelming. Ahead of the run, Lily's older sister, Maisie Lemon Smith, spoke to WalesOnline about how much the response has meant. "I know my mum's spoken to her about the fundraiser and how much awareness is being able to be raised through that. And she's really, really pleased with that," Maisie said. She added, "I'm hugely, hugely shocked and very grateful for the response it's got and the community that seems to have sprung up around Lily. As well as the GoFundMe page, I know there are people planning runs and other kind of fundraising events as well and everybody just really wants to help support Lily however they can. "Just to see how much the community cares as well has just been really, really heart-warming."
Wales Online
18-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
'My mum went into hospital for something routine. She died covered in sores and totally fatigued'
'My mum went into hospital for something routine. She died covered in sores and totally fatigued' Her family believe she died of aids after becoming a victim of the infected blood scandal but they are facing major barriers to securing compensation over the tragedy Suzanne Morgan, who is one of the campaigners in the infected blood scandal, which caused the death of her mother (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) When Mari Jupe had gallstones she went for treatment at Wales' largest hospital - University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. But just before her release she was told she was anaemic and would be given two pints of blood. After the first pint she began having a poor reaction, but was reassured that was normal and was given a second pint. Nine months later she died, aged 68, having - her family believe - been infected in hospital with aids. In the months before her death, her body broke down, she was covered in sores, fatigued. When her children took her for a day out on her 68th birthday she was unable to leave the car. Her graphic, painful death, was ten days after that birthday in 1991 and nine months after receiving the blood transfusion. Mari, from Cardiff, is one of the victims of the infected blood scandal. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Her death certificate doesn't mention aids, but does say she had hepatitis C nine months after being given infected blood. Article continues below Her daughter, Suzanne Morgan, explained: "They gave her one pint and she nearly passed out, my sister was with her and then they said, oh, this normally happens, and then they gave her another pint. From then onwards, for the next few months, her body started to break down. We believe she had aids." "She was covered in sores, she was totally fatigued. She died ten days after her birthday. On her birthday we took her out, but she stayed in the car and slept. "The day she died she basically haemorrhaged up her liver." Suzanne's father called her to tell her she needed to see her mum but she was on bed rest, having just found out she was pregnant, "but if I didn't go in, I wouldn't have seen my mother," she said. After her death, no postmortem was carried out, as Suzanne believes should have happened, and her body was sealed in a bag and put in a closed coffin, her family unable to see her. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or through contaminated medical equipment. Before 1996, an estimated 30,000 people in the UK were given contaminated blood transfusions and blood products infected with hepatitis C , hepatitis B and/or HIV. More than 3,000 people have died as a result, and thousands more live with on-going health complications. Blood donations were not routinely screened before September, 1991. "She went in for gallstones, and got Hepatitis C. You can only get Hepatitis C with infected blood, so how did she pick that up?" asked Suzanne. She is one of the many who continues to campaign, most recently at an event at the Senedd. Her family are one of those who are considered an "affected" group in terms of compensation. A decade ago they prepared statements and have then searched and requested copies of her mother's medical records. But these no longer exist. While they have applied to the compensation scheme, that lack of medical records - and a tickbox approach - means Suzanne said they were rejected out of hand. And yet, she is one of those continuing to campaign despite them being "at the back of the queue". "My mother was not a haemophiliac. They killed her," claimed Suzanne. It is important for her to get answers. "She was killed by the government. Who is to blame, who is culpable? How dare they say, 'well, you haven't got records' we don't because they destroyed them and then, of course, it crossed a period when everybody went from physical ledgers etc, to digital. When I went to the funeral home in Cardiff, they'd burnt them," she said. "Remembering where this blood came from, arm to arm from prisoners in America, not screened, hence why my mother had a bad reaction being given it. They bought all this cheap blood and practically used up all their supplies whereas other countries acted before our country." A long-running and painful exercise has been fought by victims, their families and supporters to investigate what happened and deliver them compensation. An independent inquiry has taken months of evidence and reported its findings. The UK Government has a compensation scheme to provide financial compensation to victims of the infected blood scandal, but victims feel it is too bureaucratic and set up to block payments. The stories of those impacted by the infected blood scandal The infected blood scandal is just that, a scandal. Before 1996, an estimated 30,000 people in the UK were given contaminated blood transfusions and blood products infected with hepatitis C , hepatitis B and/or HIV. More than 3,000 people have died as a result, and thousands more live with on-going health complications. The independent inquiry found infections were caused needlessly to people because there wasn't enough screening in place. Blood was collected from prisoners in US prisons, despite knowing infection rates were higher in these blood donations. There wasn't universal screening of blood and patients weren't warned of the risks of transfusions. Some of those given transfusions had no real clinical need. Here are some of those stories: Brian Langford was 13 when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1983. He was infected with Hepatitis C and has, in his words, had his life ruined by a catalogue of resulting health issues. This is his story. 'My mum always said our brother had been murdered, she was right' - the words of Susan Hughes, whose brother Alan died aged 25 Lucretia has continued her father's campaign for justice - you can read her story here In his first hours in office last July, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said paying that money was "very important" but the victims, both those infected and affected, said too little progress was being made. Labour MS Julie Morgan asked Jeremy Miles, Wales' health minister, to put pressure on the UK Government to speed up payments. She said: "On May 20 it will be one year since Sir Brian Langstaff published his final inquiry report, in which he highlighted his damning findings. And we are now expecting him to report again, outlining his concerns about the completely unacceptable delay in setting up the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, and issuing compensation to victims. This should not be happening. "Last year we were so pleased to welcome the news that £11.8 billion had been set aside for compensation. But I can't support the way in which the setting up of the compensation framework, and the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, has caused significant delays, and the delays in registering for the affected." Two people are dying every week while they wait for compensation and 25 infected or affected people that were known to Haemophilia Wales have died since the inquiry began. Health minister Jeremy Miles responded: "In my discussions with the UK Government, who obviously are responsible for the scheme, as she clearly is aware, I'm informed that the IBCA are still building and testing their compensation service, and they are working to start claims for estates, affected people and infected people who are not registered with the support scheme, with the aim of starting payments to some people in all of these groups by the end of this year. They won't have finished paying people in these groups in that time frame, but they will have started. "Across all the infection groups, when they open, they will prioritise claims for those who are nearing the end of their life. This is for those who have been told by a medical professional that they might have 12 months or less to live. "During April, I'm informed that they will write to everyone who's registered with the support scheme to confirm that they have their correct details and to explain how to contact them if prioritising end-of-life claims applies to them. Article continues below I'm also aware that the IBCA is recruiting hundreds of claims managers at the moment to help with compensation claims as soon as possible."
